A TOTAL of 56 businesses are celebrating after being named finalists in the third annual Hive Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards.

The successful entrants have had their written submissions validated and scored against strict criteria to be named one of four finalists in each category.

They will now face an interview and presentation stage with judges made up of sponsors, business leaders and independent experts.

The judging day will take place on Thursday, April 27, at the Red Rose Suite at Blackburn Rovers Football Club.

Winners will be announced at the black tie ceremony which takes place on Wednesday, May 10, at the iconic King George’s Hall.

Khalid Saifullah, chairman of the Hive Network and director of local manufacturing firm Star Tissue UK, said: “The response to the awards has been very encouraging and the entry forms tell a very positive story about business in Blackburn and Darwen.

"We look forward to meeting the finalist businesses at the interview stage to learn more, our judging panels have a tough task on their hands.

“The awards do a great job in highlighting the fantastic businesses we have within the borough and we’re pleased they’ve taken this opportunity to shout about what they do and celebrate the extraordinary people working for them.”

There are 14 awards in total including the Hive Chairman’s Award and the Arte et Labore Award as well as the The Young Entrepreneur and The Young Employee Award.

Other categories include: The Newcomer Award, The Family Business Award, The International Achievement Award, The High Growth Award, The Innovation Award, The Investing in Future Skills Award, The Creative and Digital Award, The Made in Blackburn and Darwen Manufacturing Award and new for this year, The Buzz Award and The Commitment to Blackburn and Darwen Award.

Nicola Clayton, director of business development and external engagement at Blackburn College, said: “These fantastic businesses provide vital recruitment opportunities and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our economy.”

Brian Bailey, director of strategy and funding at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said: “Blackburn with Darwen has industry, inventiveness, skill and hard work woven through its history and shaping its future.